Choosing The Best Condom

When You Need Protection, Make Sure You Reach For The Best

The AskMen
Acquire team thoroughly researches & reviews the best gear, services and staples for life.

Condoms are generally ruled as a necessary evil. While they protect us from the dangers of STIs — or a male yeast infection — and help with pregnancy prevention, they also mute a large part of the sensations that make intercourse so great. Hence, the age-old dilemma.

For many, sex with condoms has been accurately likened to showering with a raincoat on. Sure, sensations aren’t totally blocked, but they’re certainly reduced. As a result, many chose to forgo preventative measures by foolishly opting to go in naked, and as most know, the risks include winding up with a “surprise” baby or an incurable disease.

Although we can understand (we’ve all been there), the facts point to using protection as the best policy when sleeping around. (According to Planned Parenthood, condoms make sex 10,000 times HIV-safer than not using them.)

It’s also important to note that just because the person you’re seeing isn’t at risk of getting pregnant, for whatever reason, it doesn’t reduce the need for a condom. Prevention is a shared responsibility and should be treated as such. If you’re in a trusted or long-term couple, you'll want to work out a clear prevention strategy, but the basic rule is you should offer to pay for half (or at least contribute) to her method of choice – such as the pill.

There’s always a chance that she’ll prefer to foot the whole bill or maybe you feel inclined to do so yourself, but either way, talking it over will eliminate misunderstandings or failed expectations. After all, sex and relationships are all about trust and communication.

This all said, condoms make up a huge industry and the options for getting your mojo on are better than ever, with companies continually working to come up with innovative ways to increase pleasure and minimize risk. Here, we’ve compiled what we think is important to consider when choosing a condom, and rounded up some of the best models out there. Enjoy!

Before you make a decision and purchase a pack of condoms, you’ll need to think of what purpose you’d like them to fulfill. Here are some of the most common uses:

Condoms For Everyday Use

HEX Condoms

Ideal for a more sensitive and more intimate sexual sensation, the HEX condom by Lelo boasts a 250 interconnected hexagon structure to allow for body warm to be transmitted between partners for a closer, more comfortable feel. These ultra-thin yet uber-strong condoms are perfectly smooth on the outside and textured on the inside.$34.90 at LELO.com

Okamoto Crown Skinless Skin

If anybody knows a thing or two about condoms, it has to be those who have sex professionally. According to online testimonies, these super thin yet strong condoms from Japan are the choice prophylactic among adult actors thanks to its world-renowned “bareback” feel.$7.99 for pack of 36 at Amazon.com

Durex Ultra Thin Feel Condoms

Durex is one of the largest condom manufacturers on this planet and has been enjoyed by millions of sex-havers everyday for over 80 years. On average, these Ultra Thin rubbers are 20% thinner than the standard Durex condom, providing the most authentic sensation from a brand-name condom.$21.99 at Amazon.com

Kimono MicroThin

If reliability is your main concern, the Kimono MicroThin won’t let you down. At the top of most “Best Condom” lists, the Japanese-made Kimono MicroThin condom exceeds U.S. and International Standards for strength, meaning it won't tear when you least expect it. An added benefit: they’re vegan-friendly.$28.78 for pack of 24 at Amazon.com

Best-Feeling Condoms

Lifestyles SKYN Polyisoprene

Durex is one of the largest condom manufacturers on this planet and has been enjoyed by millions of sex-havers everyday for over 80 years. On average, these Ultra Thin rubbers are 20% thinner than the standard Durex condom, providing the most authentic sensation from a brand-name condom.$8.73 at Amazon.com

One Condoms

One Condoms are made of Sensatex, marketed as a safer, smoother and clearer form of latex, and come in a slew of textured styles and sizes to fit the widest penile demographic. “Legend” is for larger penises. “Zero” features a 25% thinner condom for increased sensation. “Tantric Pleasure” features a roomier base and tip for added comfort. “One Condoms are most awesome because a portion of every purchase goes to HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment efforts in Africa. Oh, and their circular packets and sturdy tin packaging beat every other basic rubber any day,” says Holder.$14.82 for pack of 40 at Amazon.com

Trojan Sensitivity Bareskin Lubricated

If you're looking for the sweet spot between a brand name you can trust and a thinness you can feel, the Trojan Bareskins are a good bet. At 40% thinner than Trojan's standard condom, the brand boasts that the Bareskin is its thinnest ever. Other than that, it's a pretty standard-issue condom, whether you see that as a positive or negative: It's made from latex, comes lubricated, features a reservoir tip and is rigorously tested so you know it's reliable.$14.51 at Amazon.com

Billy Boy

Billy Boy condoms are big in Germany and hand-dipped using what the company calls "superior" latex, but it's the variety of sizes and sensations that makes these guys stand out — or, rather, up. ““Special Comfort” features a roomier design for added sensitivity. “Special Contour” has a cock ring at the base to help him stay harder longer. “Beaded” features textured nubby bits for added insertion sensation. Plus, the packaging is nothing short of adorable (for a condom) and features an extraordinarily excited penis cartoon, and each style is available in fun, bright colors and even flavors,” says Holder.$30.12 for pack of 100 at Amazon.com

Condoms To Last Longer

Durex Performax Intense Premium

One of the first to create a condom using benzocaine, Durex is definitely an industry leader. Their Performax line contains 5% of the numbing agent, which is heat-activated to turn from a cream-like substance within the condom into a liquid substance that applies itself easily in action. With Performax Intense, to goal is to prolong the time to male orgasm time and while shortening the time until her’s with an added ribbed and dotted texture. Intense also has a slight, added scent, rather than the standard, odorless option.$16.11 at Amazon.com

Skyn Extra Lube Condoms

According to reviews, if you’re allergic to latex, Skyn manufactures some of the best non-latex condoms currently on the market. All condoms from Skyn are made with a polyisoprene (non-latex) material, so users don't have to worry about getting an allergic reaction in the heat of the moment. Skyn’s Extra Lube condom contains 40% more lube than their other models, which means you shouldn't have to worry about applying anything extra.$16.09 for pack of 24 at Amazon.com

Lifestyles Everlast Intense Condoms

Designed to slow down the pace and draw out the wearer’s orgasm while increasing the other’s pleasure, the Everlast Condom is equipped with delay lubricant and studded with over 400 raised dots. It also comes lubed up in the brand’s signature UltraGlide lubricant, so that the fun can keep going on and on.$24.97 for pack of 10 at Amazon.com

Condoms Perfect For Your Size

TheyFit Condoms

No penis is exactly the same — shapes and sizes differ drastically from one to the other. TheyFit condoms understands this and offers 95 different condom sizes (14 different lengths and 23 widths) to ensure a tailored fit. Since these are only available online, the company ensures 100% anonymity with discreet packaging.Coming soon at TheyFit.com

Trojan Bareskin Magnum

If you are generously endowed, the Magnum Bareskin condom is one of the best products available for the most natural feel. It's the thinnest condom in the Magnum line (20% thinner, to be exact) and boasts a new contoured shape as well as premium lubricant for added comfort and sensitivity.$7.47 for pack of 10 at Amazon.com

Caution Wear Iron Grip Condoms

If you have a smaller penis, don't be fooled into thinking you can't still have great sex. That said, getting a condom that fits you just right is essential to getting comfortable and enjoying every minute of intercourse instead of stressing about your condom falling off. The Iron Grip latex condoms from Caution Wear are designed to fit snug due to their parallel shape and smaller width.$6.64 for pack of 36 at Amazon.com

Condoms To Spice Things Up

Beyond Seven Studded

In addition to being one of the thinnest on the market, Beyond Seven Studded condoms provide maximum sensation courtesy of three generous inches of raised studs which make for optimal textural stimulation. Most studded rubbers on the market come nowhere close to three inches, meaning with Beyond Seven’s superior stud lengths, you can bet she’ll feel the difference.$9.38 for pack of 50 at Amazon.com

Trojan Charged Orgasmic Pleasure Condoms

For those who like it extra hot in the bedroom, Trojan makes a great condom that contains traces of ginger, maca and an amino acid called L-Arginine to promote blood flow, which naturally increases body heat. On top of that, the Charged condoms are ribbed along the shaft and again at the head for extra sensation.$26.37 for pack of 30 at Amazon.com

Glyde Flavored Condoms

Most flavored condoms are more of a distraction than anything else, but here's an option that we've actually come to enjoy. Glyde condoms are ethically made, vegan, fair trade, and feature 100% organic fruit flavors. Essentially, it’s more organic than most fruit juices in supermarkets. Available flavors include: blueberry, wildberry, vanilla, black licorice, and strawberry. If oral sex with condoms isn’t quite your thing, Glyde also offers non-flavored condoms, including their ultra, maxi, and slim-fit sizes.$7.99 for pack of 10 at Amazon.com

All-Natural Condoms

Trojan NaturaLamb

Never heard of natural skin condoms? Not surprising, although they're one of the oldest methods for pregnancy prevention. Traditionally made from a thin layer of sheep secum (part of the intestine), it’s thin, malleable and shares a great likeliness to going bareback. Its porous nature, however, means that it doesn’t protect against STIs, meaning that natural skin condoms are not recommended for non-couples. Here, the Trojan NaturaLamb is a latex-free, luxury condom that’s one of the best on the market, which explains its slightly elevated cost. Some advice? Apply water-based lubricant for optimal comfort.$31.57 for pack of 10 at Amazon.com

Sir Richard's Pleasure Dots Condoms

These condoms aren’t latex-free, but they are free of all the other chemicals commonly found in condoms — namely spermicide and parabens. The Sir Richard’s line is complete with all the twists and tricks you’ll find with other more mainstream brands, like ultra thin, textured and extra large. A favourite according to readers? The Pleasure Dot Condoms pack a welcome added touch that will be appreciated, without being abrasive.$13.99 for pack of 12 at SirRichards.com

Condoms For Anal Sex

Trojan Supra

A friendly option for those with latex allergies, the Trojan Supra condom is America’s thinnest non-latex condom. Made from latex-free, ultra-thin polyurethane, Trojan Supra boasts the rare benefit of hand-in-hand compatibility with oil-based lubricants, which tend to be much longer lasting than water-based and is actually the recommended lube for anal sex.$9.37 for pack of 6 at Amazon.com

Caution Wear Classic Condoms

Just because you're going off roading, doesn't mean you need anything too extravagant. As a matter of fact, you might both appreciate a little less added sensation if you're new to anal sex. The Caution Wear Classics are parallel sided, transparent and lubricated with a smooth, silicon-based lube. A great starting point.$4.99 for pack of 12 at Amazon.com

The Female Condom

FC2

Although equally effective, the female condom could take some getting used to. It's a different feel and applying it means a bit of a role reversal, which isn't necessarily a bad thing. A nice thing about the FC2 is that size is irrelevant and it's made from nitrile, which is three times stronger than latex. Can also be used with all lubes.$12.99 for pack of 3 at Amazon.com

The Key Factors To Consider When Choosing A Condom

Size: This is obviously probably the most important element to consider when buying a condom. Shoot too big and it will be likely to slip off, yet too small and it will squeeze in an unpleasant way and could break. Thankfully, there are a lot of models made to suit a variety of sizes, from very small to very big. Snugger fit condoms are great for smaller members, while larger ones can find comfort in king size condoms. Note: If you don’t know your size, pull out a ruler and check out our Giant Guide To Penis Size to see how you measure up.

Material: Most people are OK with the typical latex condom, but now there’s a greater variety of options for those with latex allergies or for those who simply prefer a different feel. Especially if you have a steady partner, discussing and finding the options that suit both of you is important, and a good act of respect and communication. Alternatives include polyurethane condoms, polyisoprene condoms, natural skin, and FC2 condoms. More on this later.

Thickness & strength: Some condoms are made thinner to provide more sensitivity (i.e. more sensation), but these are also more fragile and more probable to snapping in action. On the other hand, thicker condoms ensure safer sex, even when it gets rough. In general, condom thickness varies between 0.044 and 0.114 mm, with the average being somewhere around 0.07 mm (according to condom-sizes.org).

Texture: A lot of condoms out there come in a variety of textures, like studded or ribbed. Although these options could provide some added excitement to your sex life, don’t assume your partner shares the same preference as you — especially since if you’re the one wearing the condom, they’ll be the ones feeling it most.

Flavor: Sometimes paired with a matching flavored lube, flavored condoms should also be treated with similar reservation as textured condoms. If it helps, compare flavored sex paraphernalia to a perfume or cologne — it’s an intimate addition to the senses that could be off putting for someone who prefers going au natural.

Climax control: These are condoms made with a tiny amount of benzocaine, a local anesthetic designed to delay orgasm by slightly numbing the nerve endings on the penis. Usually recommended for those with premature ejaculation anxieties, especially since it’s a discreet and easy-to-use solution that only affects the wearer.

The female condom (FC1 & FC2): Like it sounds, female condoms are like regular condoms, except they’re worn by women. They are just as effective in avoiding pregnancy and in protecting against STIs, fitting inside the vagina like a bag to trap sperm and keep it from entering the baby-making zone (mainly, the uterus). They can also be used for anal sex, and the second generation female condom is made of a latex alternative called nitrile — great for those with latex allergies.

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